Argentina Through Wine
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Chapter 2 of 3

The Argentine style

Argentina Through Wine · Chapter 2 of 3 · 2 min read

In the warm New World — California, Australia, Spain, Italy's Maremma, and increasingly Argentina — Petit Verdot ripens reliably and shines. In Argentina it has built up a real foothold: more than 600 hectares are now planted across Mendoza, making it the country's quiet stronghold for the grape. It is still a small player — nothing close to Malbec — but the numbers, and more importantly the quality of the wines, are climbing.

Two things are happening at once. First, Argentine winemakers love Petit Verdot as a blender: a few percent folded into a Bordeaux-style blend with Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot adds depth, structure and color. Second — and this is the new chapter — a growing number of producers are bottling it as a 100% single-varietal wine, hoping to repeat the trick Argentina pulled off with Malbec.

The Argentine style
Up next, Chapter 3 of 3 This is a wine for rich food and big company. Read Chapter 3: Pairings →

Understanding Argentine Wine (FAQ)

What makes Argentine Malbec so unique?

Argentina's high-altitude vineyards, particularly in Mendoza's Uco Valley, receive intense sunlight and experience dramatic temperature shifts between day and night. This slows grape ripening, resulting in rich flavors, balanced acidity, and smooth tannins.

How should I plan a wine tour in Mendoza?

We recommend booking tastings at least 2-3 months in advance, especially for prestigious wineries. Focus on one sub-region per day (like Luján de Cuyo or Uco Valley) to minimize travel time and enjoy a relaxed pace.

What are the best food pairings for Torrontés?

Torrontés, Argentina's signature white wine, is highly aromatic with floral notes. It pairs beautifully with spicy Asian cuisine, fresh seafood, and traditional Argentine empanadas (especially those containing corn or cheese).